Superflex salary cap contests are here, only at OwnersBox. We discussed the contest’s specifics here for those who may have missed it and touched on some of the top values here. It is now time to take a look at a few players that fantasy managers may want to avoid for Week 1 at OwnersBox. Sign up now and use code ‘Drew 9’ for a no strings attached, free entry into Week 1’s $100,000 contest.
Saquon Barkley (RB – NYG): $7,000
The Denver Broncos will be a tough team to run on this season regardless of who lines up in the opposing backfield. However, when you add Saquon being on a potential pitch count in his first game back after almost a year off, he is a smart fade. Don’t get caught up with the brand name facing a team that struggled in 2020. This is a new season, and Saquon will need to prove that he is close to full form before trusting him at OwnersBox.
D’Andre Swift (RB – DET): $6,200
Swift has been cleared to play against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1 but is not a recommended play. He may see his snaps limited as the Lions may wisely look to play it safe with their most talented skill player and will be squaring off against a ferocious front seven. The 49ers are rounding back into full strength and will be a defense to think twice about playing running backs against all season. Swift should have a breakout season in 2021, but poor gamescript combined with a tough defense and snap count concerns should be enough to make him a strong fade.
Kenny Golladay (WR – NYG): $5,800
Since last season in Detroit, Kenny Golladay has been slowed by hamstring issues and is currently dealing with another soft tissue ailment. He is expected to play in Week 1 but may see his snaps reduced as the coaching staff looks to play it safe. The Giants have enough depth in their receiver room to avoid risking Golladay’s long-term health in a non conference game. Golladay should prove to be a difference-maker for New York this season, but fantasy managers should wait until he looks like he is back to form before spending precious salary cap dollars at OwnersBox.
Brandon Aiyuk (WR – SF): $5,500
Brandon Aiyuk appears to be on track to play in a plus matchup against the Detroit Lions. However, after dealing with a hamstring injury for the last few weeks, Aiyuk may be more decoy than someone the 49ers want to feed the ball to. George Kittle and Deebo Samuel are healthy and will likely be a more significant part of the game plan this week than Aiyuk, as soft tissue injuries are notoriously easy to aggravate. Aiyuk should lead the 49ers receivers in fantasy points this season, but it is likely he takes a backseat in Week 1.
Jimmy Garoppolo (QB – SF): $5,700
It’s a plus matchup, and Jimmy G is listed at a relative value, but the prudent course is to fade the 49ers starting quarterback for Week 1. As mentioned above, Brandon Aiyuk may be limited by a hamstring injury, and the 49ers are set to run the ball down the throats of the Lions, making Raheem Mostert and Trey Sermon recommended plays. Compounding matters is the presence of the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Trey Lance. Lance will likely siphon snaps in Week 1 as the 49ers coaching staff have a couple of packages already installed for the talented rookie. Jimmy G is still more accurate with better decision-making, but the rookie has his number in athleticism and arm strength. This potentially means that Lance may see the field in short-yardage, goal line, and deep ball situations, which will, in turn, cap Jimmy’s upside.
Mac Jones (QB – NE): $5,200
Mac Jones is listed as a bargain for Week 1 but is not a recommended play against Brian Flores and a strong Miami Dolphins defense. Mac has the accuracy and processor to play the dink and dunk game but will still have to contend with the All-Pro level duo of Xavien Howard and Byron Jones. The Dolphins defensive front took a hit this offseason but still possesses plenty of juice to disrupt and create pressures. Mac will likely be an excellent fit in the Patriots’ offensive scheme but is not a recommended play against a tough divisional opponent with a head coach who knows the offense’s tendencies better than most others from his time in New England.
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Raju Byfield is a featured writer for FantasyPros. For more from Raju, check out his profile and follow him @FantasyContext.
